Harvey Picker Obituary

PICKER--Harvey. A physicist, inventor, businessman, educator, philosopher and friend died on March 22 at age 92. Mr. Picker ran Picker X-ray Company for 25 years. He was a well-known inventor of x-ray technology and groundbreaking developments including cobalt therapy for cancer, nuclear imaging diagnostics and the use of ultrasound for oceanography, which was adapted for medical imaging. Along with his wife Jean, an ambassador to the U.N. in the 1960s, now deceased, he then founded the Picker Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the principles of patient-centered care and pioneered the systematic collection of data from hospital patients to help improve the delivery of medical services in the U.S. and Europe. Mr. Picker also taught at his alma mater, Colgate University, and served as the dean of the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University. He also helped found the Picker Engineering Program at Smith College, his wife's alma mater. He is survived by two daughters, Bobbi Hamill of Boston, MA and Gale Jean Picker of Seattle, WA, as well as three grandchildren, Jean Picker Larsen, Evelyn Picker Larsen and Matthew James Mrachek. A memorial service will be held on May 24th at 11am at the Camden Library in Camden, ME.

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Published by New York Times from Mar. 25 to Mar. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Harvey Picker

13 Entries

Frank Roper

March 19, 2021

Mr. Picker was a awesome person, he ran a wonderful company to work for I retired from there after 35 years.
I loved my job and working for Picker X-Ray, I wish the company was still going.

Sharon Delezenski Genin

April 4, 2008

Sincerest condolences to the family of Dean Picker - a wonderful educator and leader. His kind are few and far between; SIPA was fortunate to have had him at its helm.

Harut Sassounian

April 3, 2008

I will never forget Dean Harvey Picker's personal intervention to ensure that, as a poor foreign student, I received the necessary funding to attend Columbia University's School of Internaitonal Affairs. Finding out that I was of Armenian origin, he added with a reassuring smile, "Armenians are on the top of every list!"
My deepest sympathies to his two daughters.

Peter Richards

April 1, 2008

I worked for Picker International for 16 years. As a former Bar Harbor, ME resident and Radiologic Technologist the role of Harvey and James Picker on Healthcare and Medical Imaging can not be measured, their contributions so large. I remember meeting Harvey personally at the 75th Aniversary of Picker at the RSNA in Chicago. He was a warm, brilliant and vibrant individual at that time. I will always remember his comments on the essence of running a great business that I practice even today. " Take care of the customer and the rest will take care of itself." He will be missed.

Joan Sturmthal

March 28, 2008

I had to work hard to persuade Harvey to fund my project- to train nursing home staff in Maine how to care for residents without using drugs and restraints. But he came around- and attended some of the trainings. A charming, brilliant man. I won't forget him.

Anne Kolker

March 27, 2008

The end of an era for the family. Uncle Harvey was a constant educator in every aspect of life. My condolences to Gale and Bobbi.

Marion Kane

March 27, 2008

Harvey was a dear friend and mentor. I always treasured his advice and perspectives and enjoyed the many free-ranging conversations we had. He was a remarkable man who led a full and generous life.

Harvey Berman

March 27, 2008

What a wonderful and generous man. Mr. Picker was an inspiration to so many. I am grateful for his counsel and guidance. He will be missed by many.

Frank Roper

March 26, 2008

I was always Proud to be part of the Picker Family, And I loved working for Picker X-Ray for my nearly 35 years with the Company.

Phyllis Mihalik

March 26, 2008

My first real job out of high school was as a clerk in Picker's accounts receivable department. Though I was at the bottom of the totem pole Harvey Picker always had a ready smile and a warm greeting.

At the time, the manager I worked for spoke to no one except his various friends who called to chat. They never identified themselves by their real names but instead used names of famous people.

One day this boss' secretary got a call and as usual asked who was calling. The person answered "Harvey Picker". Well she started to laugh asking "No, really, who are you?"

I overheard the exchange and started frantically waving to her that Harvey Picker was the real deal, not one of the fictitious characters who usually called. The secretary continued the "game" until the conversation was over.

Within minutes a smiling Harvey Picker came to our office just to show her there really is a Harvey Picker. She was so embarrassed but he made her and everyone else relax .

I've never forgotten the incident because instead of being insulted that he wasn't recognized, he proceeded to put everyone at ease with his smile and good humor.

I worked at Picker for over 12 years, the company was never the same after he left.

Please accept my sympathy on your loss. He will be remembered by many for the man he was.

Robert Campbell, MD

March 26, 2008

Thank you, Harvey, for your devoted commitment not only to improving life throughout the World, but also to advancing the science of Radiology for improvement of patient care.

Ray Hopper

March 26, 2008

I always enjoyed life a little more
when Harvy came to Canada

Maine Instrument Flight

March 26, 2008

A great man who will be missed.

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